Gertrude Frances Headlee Ford, daughter of Charles and Loa (Charter) Headlee was born January 12, 1915, in Bear Grove, Iowa in Guthrie County, and died July 29, 2008, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa at the age of 93 years old.  Gertrude grew up in Guthrie Center, Iowa and graduated from Guthrie Center High School. 
           
On June 24, 1932, Gertrude was united in marriage to Victor S. Ford in Guthrie Center, Iowa.  To this union seven children were born:  Richard, Robert, Donna, Lynn, Victoria, Loa and Daniel. 
           
Victor and Gertrude made their life together farming in Guthrie County and Carroll County in Carrollton, IA.  They were active members of the Star Methodist Church community.  In 1960, the family moved to Coon Rapids, Iowa.  Gertrude began working as a secretary for the United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids and later for the Garst Store as an accountant.
           
Gertrude was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids and volunteered her time teaching senior high Sunday school.  She was very active with the Methodist Church Women, the H&H Club, the Rural Garden Club and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
          
  Gertrude was very interested in education and knowledge and volunteered her time later in life at the Deal Elementary School. The Coon Rapids Library held a special place in her life.  She enjoyed gardening, quilting, cooking, reading, and genealogy.  All of Gertrude’s grandchildren and family were very important to her and visited often.
           
Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Victor in 1995, grandson Kent Ford, brother Allen Headlee, sister Beth Mallon and nephew Gordon Headlee.
           
Gertrude is survived by her seven children:  Richard (Stephanie) Ford of Corvallis, Oregon; Robert (Carol) Ford of Indianola, Iowa; Donna (Richard) Schneider of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Lynn (Patti) Ford of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Victoria Ford of Reno, Nevada; Loa (Burdette) Christensen of Huxley, Iowa, and Dan (Sue) Ford of Audubon, Iowa; 15 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren; brother Boyd Headlee of Minnesota; nephews Charles Headlee of Coon Rapids, John Headlee, Ken Headlee, Tom Headlee; nieces Beth Ann Otto, Delores Tomczik all of Minnesota and nephew Paul Headlee of Idaho; sister in-law Wilma Stormer of Coon Rapids; brother in-law Harold Ford of Spirit Lake, Iowa; nephew Jay Ford of Denison, Iowa and niece Carmen Maynard of Alabama and many other relatives and friends.
                        
According to Gertrude's wishes her body has been donated for research to the University of Iowa.  A private family service will be held at a later date.  Gertrude requested that any memorials be given in her name to The Friends of the Library, 123 3rd Ave, Coon Rapids, IA 50058.  Arrangements were made by Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa.